Warning! Spoilers ahead for Batman/Forntite: Zero Point #4
Leave it to Batman to unlock the secrets of Fortnite's mysterious hatches. In the latest issue of Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point, the World's Greatest Detective has managed to confirm the true purpose of the game's three hatches that have been present since 2018, left largely unexplained and impenetrable on Fortnite Island. Now, thanks to this new crossover series, Batman has identified them as the key for him and his new squad to escape the island, seeking to learn the true intent and nature of those who sent them to fight in an endless time-loop of battle royales.
In previous issues of Batman/Fortnite from Christos Gage and Christian Duce, the Dark Knight found himself trapped on Fornite Island, forced to fight in an endless loop of battles all while losing his memories and the end of each 22 minute brawl before the game's storm overtook the whole island. However, Batman was still as skilled and resourceful as ever, finding a way to investigate by writing himself messages to help him remember, as well as teaming up with Catwoman by trusting in a shared emotional bond rather than memories in order to help her escape the loop. Not only that, but he also joined forces with G.I Joe's Snake Eyes, who had been sent to distract the Dark Knight from those operating behind the scenes, the ones who are really in control of the island and its fighters.
Now, Batman/Fortnite: Zero Point #4 reveals that Batman has finally broken out of the loop himself, joining a small band of popular characters from the game who've broken free as well, including Catwoman and Slade Wilson's Deathstroke. Thankfully, this means that Batman can now talk and remember all of his past battles (though nothing before the island). While all of these warriors are determined to escape the island, it isn't until Batman arrives that he brings their attention to the impenetrable hatches, believing them to be the entry points for the unknown agents controlling the island.
Sure enough, Batman proves to be correct. Using a device of his own design, the Dark Knight's new squad gathers enough energy sources from parts of the island they suspect the agents have been in contact with and are responsible for, such as the energy pylons and the massive tower that's currently in the center of Fortnite Island. Once gathered, Batman is able to replicate the same signature and one of the hatches opens, finally revealing what it contains: giant stone golem defenders as well as arsenals and stores of supplies, appearing to be staging grounds for the agents to gear up before entering the island above.
Additionally, it looks as though these hatches also feature tunnels that lead to wherever the agents are based, leaving plenty of more surprises and mysteries to be uncovered as the Batman/Fortnite crossover series continues. In any case, it's pretty cool that Batman himself was the one to finally get into the hatches, uncovering a mystery that Fortnite players have been wondering and trying to figure out for a long time.